James hoping trophy berth can lead to Swans starts

The Checkatrade Trophy has been met with plenty of criticism in its opening season so far, but Swansea’s Daniel James believes his progression in the competition can be the perfect springboard for a first-team berth.

The winger may have only just turned 19 on Thursday, but has already started to turn heads at the Liberty Stadium, part of Bob Bradley’s squad for last month’s defeat at Stoke City.

And the teenager did his chances no harm on Tuesday night, scoring the opening goal in Swansea Under-23s’ victory against League Two leaders Plymouth.

It’s a result which sent the Swans into the last 32 of the competition, though sterner tests await with a trip to Norwich’s Under-23 side who topped their group.

(Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)

And while James is keen to keep the side firing in the tournament, the midfielder has eyes on a rather bigger prize, desperate to break into a Swansea side 19th in the Premier League, with goal difference the only factor keeping them off the bottom.

“It was a great experience to be involved with the first-team squad,” said James. “The next goal for me is to continue to push on and make my full debut.

“I enjoyed going on the pre-season tour with the squad to America in July and it was a great experience to be involved with the squad when the team travelled to Stoke last month.

“Hopefully I will get more opportunities this season. They are a great group to work with and if I get my chance I know I will have to take it.”